Bluegrass music, a silent auction and an ice cream social will be part of Miracle Sunday at Chester Presbyterian Church this Sunday concluding a 12-week Miracle on the Corner mission to raise funds for much needed repairs at the church.
Gordon B. Mapes, III, pastor of the church, tells the story of the miracle of how Jesus feeds 5,000 from Luke 9:16: “Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people.” That was the message Mapes delivered to his congregation at Chester Presbyterian Church when he told them the church needed a miracle and asked them to be a part of that miracle.
“We had a lot of infrastructure needs and upgrades that had been often delayed due to budget.” he said. “We formed a committee to try to look at how we could raise the funds for the repairs. We needed $100,000. We prayed and preached and talked about it.”
You can already see changes. The church was able to repair, seal, and strip their parking lot. They were also able to repair the roof over the sanctuary and entrance to Wyatt Chapel. More needs include replacement of their phone system and sound system in the sanctuary and fellowship hall; elevator repair and preventive maintenance; carpet and flooring replacement; improved indoor and outdoor signage; and funds to enhance their mission opportunities.
The whole community is invited to Miracle Sunday on July 31, at 6 p.m. Many will come to hear the bluegrass music featuring the Vassar Family. All will enjoy the ice cream social, but the big draw may be the 45 items on display during the silent auction. They include: a painting by Joann Rinaca; watercolors by Larry Grina; signed and numbered Franklin Saye Print; photography sessions; an 80 X 80 handmade quilt by Marilyn Grina; certificates to restaurants; golf outings; items for your car, home, and yard; a six-month family membership for six to the YMCA; a river cruise; and entertainment packages. For history buffs, Confederate money and plate will be up for auction, and for those looking for a great travel opportunity, a one-week get a way at a canyon house on Oak Creek in Sedona, Ariz. Too many items to list, but there are many packages for fun like Richmond Symphony and Swift Creek Mill tickets and for practical needs like a window washing certificate.
The Miracle on the Corner committee included members Brad Peebles (chair), Don Davidson, Libby Gatewood, Rusty Hopkins, and Mike Rose. They came up with a 12-week plan that included three concerts, two town hall meetings, and a special message from The Rev. Phillip Dunford, a member of the church as a child when the building was located at the corner of Gill and Winfree streets.
Mapes suggested the silent auctions and recruited Susan Nunnally, Ann West, and Becky Lang to form a committee for the auction.
“There is something for everyone,” said Ann West. “Kids, older people with cars, yards, and houses.”
“God has offered us a miracle way to care for our ministry On This Corner,” said Mapes. He invites the whole community out for their Bluegrass Eucharist, auction, and ice cream social on Miracle Sunday. Chester Presbyterian Church is located at the corner of W. Hundred and Osborne roads.
